The art of public speaking requires at least two variables for there to be a balanced equation and they are the audience and the speaker. The sole reason a speaker speaks in public is so that the audience will listen and possibly take a certain action or make a particular decision depending on what the objective of the presentation is anyway. This means that the reason there are speeches is that there will be audiences that will listen, this makes the issue of a speaker connecting with the audience of the greatest importance. For the most part, it is not what you say but how you say it, in other words, how you say it is just as important as what you say.
Eye Contact - One of the time-tested ways to connect with your audience is to look them in the eye and make eye contact with them. If the eyes were the window to the soul then as a professional speaker you would surely want to master how to pull your audience in using your eyes. Try as much as possible to make eye contact with as many people in your audience as you can as this helps to draw them in thus making them attracted to you and your message. Short and meaningful glances will do but remember keep them short, as you do not want them to think you are a potential stalker. The inability to make eye contact with the people you engage even in everyday conversation suggests you are hiding something from them and so are not to be trusted.
Good Posture - There is no substitute for a good posture as far as public speaking is concerned. You must always make it a habit to stand erect and tall with your shoulders straight and squarely set and your chest out. Also, remember to tuck your stomach in and hold your head up. The ideal thing is to always look smart and this is best achieved when your posture speaks well of you. Anything less than this passes you off as tired and spent which are public speaking synonyms for dull and uninspiring. You might consider practicing standing straight and asking your friends for feedback.
Deliberate Movement - As much as possible, limit your movements such that it adds value to your message and not takes away from it. When movements are purposeless and uncoordinated, they could end up distracting the audience who will be trying to follow your movements all around the stage instead of concentrating on the message. As much as possible let your movements match your message, in other words use movements to emphasise your points.
Appropriate Dressing - The rule of thumb for appropriate dressing is to answer the question of what kind of event at which you are supposed to speak. You cannot possibly wear a suit when everyone else is going to be dressed in tracksuit bottoms and body hugs. If you are going to make a business presentation at a company and they have company colours you may consider dressing in like colours, as this will help them to see you as one of them. Your best bet if you are confused would be to ask the event organisers to know the dress code and the kind of event it is.
Who says connecting with your audience must be difficult?
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